Mauritania Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Electrical outlets in Mauritania usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs with round pins are standard.

Language

Arabic is the official language of Mauritania and Hassaniyya is the local form of Arabic spoken by the majority of the population. French is also widely spoken.

Travel Health

Malaria is a problem in the southern provinces and some form of
prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers in the south;
however, there is no malaria risk in the provinces of Adrar,
Dakhlet-Nouadhibou, Inchiri and Tiris Zemmour. A yellow fever
vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with
a risk of yellow fever transmission, and is recommended for all
travellers visiting regions south of the Sahara in Mauritania. A
vaccination for meningococcus is recommended for all travellers
during the dry season, between November and June. Vaccinations are
also recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid, and
travellers are generally advised to be up to date on vaccinations
for polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria.
Travellers who will be coming into contact with bats, or may be at
risk of animal bites, should consider a rabies vaccination.

Travellers should not drink tap water in Mauritania unless it
has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected, and should
avoid ice in beverages. Don't eat fruit and vegetables unless they
have been cooked or peeled, and eat all cooked meals while still
hot.

Medical facilities in Mauritania are limited and visitors should
ensure that they have comprehensive travel and health insurance.
Basic medical care is available in the capital. Most doctors and
hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you
have travel health insurance. Visitors should take along any
medication they may need, in its original packaging and accompanied
by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the
medicine is and why it is needed.

Tipping

A tip of 12 to 15 percent is expected in restaurants in
Mauritania, if no service fee has been added to the bill. Hotel
service staff and taxi drivers welcome small tips.

Safety Information

Although crime levels are not too high in Mauritania, terrorism
is an ongoing concern. The UK Foreign Office advises against all
travel to the provinces of Tiris Zemmour, Adrar, Tagant, Hodh el
Chargui, Dakhlet-Nouadhibou and Inchiri due to a high threat from
terrorism. They advise against all but essential travel to the rest
of the country, including the capital, Nouakchott. Since 2008 more
than 25 foreigners have been kidnapped by terrorist groups in the
Sahel region, which includes Mauritania. The US Department of State
also warns its citizens of the risk from terrorism in Mauritania,
advising against travel to large swathes of the country because of
the security risk. They advise foreigners travelling outside of
urban areas to move only in a convoy with an experienced guide and
reliable vehicles. No travel should be undertaken after dark.

In urban areas crime levels are moderate but steadily
increasing. There have been incidents of carjacking, robbery, rape
and assault involving foreigners. Travellers should keep a low
profile, stay vigilant, and take every precaution to ensure
personal safety. Protests are fairly common in Nouakchott and
violent clashes between police and protestors do occur. All street
protests and political gatherings should be avoided. Military and
police roadblocks are common in urban areas and identification
should be carried at all times.

Local Customs

Since Mauritania is an Islamic state, governed by Islamic law,
visitors should at all times be respectful of the social mores that
have been entrenched in the country by the teachings of the Koran.
Visitors are encouraged particularly to be observant during the
month of Ramadan, when eating, smoking or drinking in public is
severely frowned upon. Conservative dress (covering the arms and
legs) and reserved public behaviour are the norms, especially for
women. Be sure to remove your shoes before entering people's homes
and mosques. Note that Mauritania is a dry country, and although
there are restaurants that will sell alcohol to foreigners,
drinking with locals is strictly prohibited. Note also that it is
considered taboo for women to lie on their backs, and for men to
lie on their stomachs, in public places. Public displays of
affection are totally out of the question: in Mauritania, not even
married couples are allowed to hold hands in public. It is also
worth bearing in mind that Mauritanians are extremely direct
communicators, and may eschew normal pleasantries such as 'please'
and 'thank-you'. Finally, it is considered extremely rude to ignore
people who greet you in public places.

Business

Mauritania is a very poor country. Mining is the principal
industry and some offshore drilling for oil and gas has begun.
French is the language of business and very few executives speak
English. Business etiquette is fairly formal and dress should be
conservative, especially for women. Office hours are generally 8am
to 3pm, Sunday to Thursday.

Communications

The international dialling code for Mauritania is +222. Landline
infrastructure is limited, but mobile phone usage is fairly high
and roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone
operators; however, coverage is limited to urban areas. There are
some internet cafes in Nouakchott and other big cities and some
hotels provide internet access.

Duty Free

Those travelling to Mauritania over the age of 18 may import the
following goods duty-free: 200 cigarettes/25 cigars/450g of
tobacco, 50ml of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette. Alcohol is
prohibited, and firearms require an import and gun license prior to
arrival.

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